Tag Archives: friends

Day 185: Thom, Tressa, Tegan and Tate

Posted on July 4, 2015 | Leave a comment
Manassas fireworks from the side mirror.

Manassas fireworks from the side mirror.

Happy Independence Day!

I hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday. Mine was awesome! I spent it with some amazing friends out in Manassas, VA. And while I had a terrific day, I’m not sure my friend Reuben would say the same. Reuben is my friends Chris and Karrin’s dog. I’ve been taking care of him while they traveled up to New England for the weekend.

My best friend for the weekend.

My best friend for the weekend.

Reuben is one of the best dogs I’ve ever known, maybe the best. My ex-girlfriend even offered to buy him for $1,000. I know, that sounds crazy – but if you met Reuben you’d want him all to yourself too. Reuben likes to lounge around the house, take walks, chase and retrieve things you throw, have his belly rubbed, eat grass, sniff telephone polls and occasionally let out a long howl. He likes a lot of things. One thing he does not like I discovered: fireworks.

I thought it would be fun to join my friends and watch the fireworks that they set off in Manassas – which is quite a show I might add. I pictured us sitting in those collapsible chairs or on a blanket, Reuben next to me sitting on his back legs watching the aerial display with the wonder of a two-year old. Nope. It was nothing like that. #DogSitterFail

Day 185

Tom, Tressa, Tegan & Tate, 

It was great to see you guys today. Dinner was delicious – the quinoa salad, fish, shrimp, veggies were all amazing! Sorry I had to leave abruptly – note to self: dogs do NOT like fireworks, they will freak out. We got stuck in some traffic heading out of Manassas but had a great view of fireworks from all over on the ride home. Sorry about all the water issues (the house and the car!) – you know what they say, when it rains it pours. Sorry…I couldn’t help myself.

Love you guys – your friendship means a tremendous amount to me.
Reed

I recycled a bag from Paper Source to make this envelope.

I recycled a bag from Paper Source to make this envelope.

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Day 182: Katie

Posted on July 1, 2015 | Leave a comment

Katie is a friend and former colleague of mine. I’ve been living vicariously through her this past year as she is attending the London School of Economics and traveling to fun places throughout Europe.

Day 182

I added some washi tape to the top of this paper as well as to the back of the envelope to dress it up a bit. Also, another recycled envelope liner that I made from a Paper Source bag.

Katie,

I hope my letter finds you well. And who knows when you’ll get this because you seem to be quite the traveller (see I used the British spelling for you!) these days. I’ve followed your jaunts around London, your travelling adventures to Italy (I also loved Cinque Terre…and a charming little town called San Gimignano, I don’t think you went there), Portugal, Spain…you do such a wonderful job of sharing interesting images and story – it’s almost as if you bring us along with you.

While you’re on your fantastic year-long tour of Europe, I hope that on occasion you find the time to discover an absolutely splendid place called the London School of Economics – I hear it is a remarkable institution. Seriously, I hope you are enjoying this experience. I know it wasn’t an easy decision to quit your job and take this giant leap of faith across the ocean, but I doubt that you question it one bit now as you look back. We often overestimate what we have and underestimate what we can gain by trying something new. I’ve lived I’ve lived abroad in three different countries and loved each experience.

I look forward to getting together sometime when you are back on this side of the pond. Until then, enjoy the rest of your time in Europe!

Reed

P.S. I saw that you were selected to run in the NYC Marathon – that’s awesome!

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Day 180: Jeri

Posted on June 29, 2015 | 1 comment
Day 180-2

I normally don’t use Hallmark stationery – but I like this one.

On May 27th my friend Jeri posted this on Facebook:

“Exciting news today! I have been selected to attend the School of Advanced Military Studies program at Ft. Leavenworth. It is a one year program and means I am moving back to Kansas! I am sure no one ever thought they would hear those words from my mouth. Classes start June 29th…will depart DC on the 15th. Life is crazy sometimes!”

Life is crazy sometimes and we didn’t even manage to meet up before she left. Jeri started classes today – so I thought I would drop her a note in the mail.

Day 180

Dear Jeri,

Congratulations on being accepted into the Advanced Military Studies program at Ft. Leavenworth! I’m glad you have arrived safely in Kansas – I’m thinking this just might be the first handwritten letter that has welcomed you to your new home.

I’m sorry we didn’t get to meet up before you left. My schedule has been chaotic lately. Today I’m writing you from State College, PA.

Once you get settled in, maybe we can find some time to Skype or talk by phone and you can catch me up on this new adventure. You sounded pretty excited – it’s not everyone whose pulse quickens at the thought of going to Ft. Leavenworth! I hope that you enjoy it, I know you’ll love being closer to your family. And who knows, maybe I’ll show up there some day – you know I go to Lawrence from time to time. It appears to be less than an hour away.

Stay in touch,
Reed

 

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Day 169: Kelly

Posted on June 18, 2015 | Leave a comment

This is my second letter to Kelly. On Day 14 I wrote to congratulate her on the purchase of her first home. Unfortunately that letter never arrived. So here’s another one to say “thank you” for her recent donation to help one of the organizations I support.

Day 169

Kelly,

Thank you so much for your recent donation to Street Sense. That was very generous of you. I’m delighted to match your gift and all the donations that were made as a result of my outreach and challenge. Sorry we haven’t gotten together lately, I really want to catch up with you and hear what you are up to. So name your date in July!

Miss you,
Reed

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Day 161: Daniel

Posted on June 10, 2015 | Leave a comment
Day 161

I did some fancy embossing on this homemade birthday card.

Today – a simple birthday wish for a great guy. Daniel and his wife Betsy don’t live so far away, probably 15 miles, but I haven’t seen them in a while. I miss seeing them and unfortunately can’t make it to Daniel’s birthday party this Saturday.

Day 161-2

Daniel,

I am bummed that I will not be able to join you this Saturday to celebrate your birthday. It’s been a long time since we’ve hung out. I miss you guys and hope that we can get together soon. Have a fantastic day!

Reed

P.S. Writing this letter brought back a mental image of you carrying those two cases of beer out of SAVOR a few years ago – I’m still upset that we didn’t get to keep them!

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